Army repels insurgents in Damboa, Maiduguri

The 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri said on Thursday that it successfully repelled an attack on Damboa community in Damboa Local Government Area of northeastern Borno State by suspected Boko Haram members.

Muhammad Dole, the spokesman of the division announced the development in a statement in Maiduguri.

“The troops of 195 Battalion in Damboa on Thursday successfully repelled Boko Haram terrorists' attack on residents and a military camp.

“The insurgents attempted to launch attack on Damboa to cause havoc and mayhem, but due to timely information and gallantry displayed by the troops, the attack was repelled.

'We also inflicted heavy casualty on the terrorists. While the encounter lasted, 38 Boko Haram suspects were killed and some fled with various degrees of injuries,'' he said.

The spokesman said three vehicles, including a lorry laden with foodstuffs, were recovered from the insurgents.

Dole also said that a large cache of weapons was recovered by the army after the operation.

'A large cache of assorted arms and high calibre weapons and ammunition comprising General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), Light Machine Guns (LMG) and two AK 47 rifles were seized.

'However, one soldier was killed and two others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention.

'The combined ground troops and Nigerian Air Force aircraft are tactically pursuing the fleeing terrorists in the ongoing operation in the general area of Damboa and surrounding villages.

'The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division appeals to the general public to avail the troops with any leading information for successful tracking of the fleeing insurgents,' he said.